TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The Arizona Cardinals' 2 1/2-month victory drought is over, thanks in large part to the thievery of the team's defense.

The relief that the nine-game losing streak had ended was palpable at coach Ken Whisenhunt's day-after news conference, and he credited a strong performance by the defense for leading Sunday's 38-10 victory over the Detroit Lions.

The Cardinals intercepted Matthew Stafford three times, returning two of them for touchdowns and setting up a TD with the other.

With the performance, Arizona leads the NFL in interceptions with 22. That's a dozen more than the team had all of last season. Patrick Peterson leads the way with seven, including one in each of the last four games.

The Cardinals play Chicago next Sunday in Arizona's final home game of the season.